Mary Berry Buttermilk Scones Recipe

If you love soft, fluffy scones with a tender crumb, this Mary Berry buttermilk scones recipe is a must-try. These classic British scones are light, slightly crisp on the outside, and beautifully soft inside, with a delicate buttery flavor. They are simple to make, even for beginners, and come together in under 30 minutes. Perfect for afternoon tea or a quick homemade treat, these scones deliver bakery-quality results with minimal effort.

Ingredients

For the Scones

• 225g self-raising flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 40g cold unsalted butter, cubed
• 25g caster sugar
• 150ml buttermilk
• 1 tsp vanilla extract (optional)
• Pinch of salt

For the Glaze

• 1 egg, beaten

Optional Filling

• Strawberry jam
• Clotted cream

How to Make Mary Berry Buttermilk Scones Recipe

• Prepare the oven: Preheat the oven to 220°C or 200°C fan. Line a baking tray with baking parchment and place a shelf in the middle of the oven.
• Mix the dry ingredients: In a large bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Stir in the caster sugar.
• Rub in the butter: Add the cold cubed butter and rub it into the flour using your fingertips until the mixture resembles fine breadcrumbs.
• Add the buttermilk: Pour in the buttermilk and vanilla extract, then gently mix with a knife until a soft dough forms. Avoid overmixing.
• Shape the dough: Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and gently knead just enough to bring it together. Roll out to about 2.5cm thick.
• Cut the scones: Use a round cutter to cut out scones. Press straight down without twisting for the best rise. Place on the prepared tray.
• Glaze and bake: Brush the tops with beaten egg. Bake for 10–12 minutes until well risen and golden.
• Cool and serve: Transfer to a wire rack and allow to cool slightly before serving warm.

Tips for Perfect Scones

Why are my scones not rising well?

Make sure your baking powder is fresh and avoid twisting the cutter when shaping the dough.

How do I keep scones soft?

Handle the dough gently and avoid over-kneading, which can make them dense.

Can I make them sweeter?

Yes, simply increase the sugar slightly or add raisins or dried fruit for extra sweetness.

What is the secret to fluffy texture?

Using cold butter and buttermilk helps create steam during baking, resulting in a light texture.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve warm with clotted cream and jam
• Enjoy with butter and honey
• Pair with tea or coffee for a classic treat
• Add fresh berries for a fruity twist

Storage

Room Temperature

Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Best eaten fresh.

Refrigerator

Keep for up to 4 days, but reheat slightly before serving for best texture.

Freezing

Freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven at 180°C until warm through.

Nutrition

• Calories: 210 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Protein: 5g
• Fat: 8g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Sodium: 180mg

Nutrition values are estimates and may vary based on ingredients used.

FAQs

Mary Berry Buttermilk Scones Recipe

Recipe by Milli RoseCourse: SnackCuisine: BritishDifficulty: Easy

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

30

minutes

Cooking time

40

minutes

Calories

300

kcal

Total time

1

hour 

10

minutes

Soft, fluffy buttermilk scones with a tender crumb and golden top. A classic British bake perfect for tea time.

Ingredients

• 225g self-raising flour

• 1 tsp baking powder

• 40g butter

• 25g caster sugar

• 150ml buttermilk

• 1 egg (for glaze)

• Pinch of salt

Directions

• Preheat oven to 220°C (200°C fan) and line a tray.
• Mix flour, baking powder, salt and sugar.
• Rub in butter until crumbly.
• Stir in buttermilk to form dough.
• Roll out and cut into rounds.
• Brush with egg and bake 10–12 minutes.
• Cool slightly and serve warm.

Notes

• Do not overwork the dough.
• Use cold butter for best texture.
• Serve fresh for best results.